Burkina Faso Celebrates Its National Day

Burkina Faso was ranked the 111th safest investment destination in the world in the March 2011 Euromoney Country Risk rankings, according to Wikipedia.

US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, speaking in Washington, DC, extended the congratulations of President Obama and the people of the United States, to the people of Burkina Faso.

Traditional homes in southeast Burkina Faso.

She noted that the bond between two countries continues to strengthen through our close cooperation on so many issues. She said the United States is committed to the peace and stability of Burkina Faso as both countries work together to build schools and increase girls’ enrollment rates, strengthen military cooperation and training, and harness the power of the Peace Corps volunteers as they help reduce poverty and promote small business entrepreneurship.

She stressed that both countries are strengthening democracy and human rights, establishing new development initiatives and expanding opportunities for more Burkinabe.

“As you celebrate this special day, know that the United States stands with you as a friend, and we look forward to deepening our partnership even more in the years to come.” -Ms. Clinton

Political freedoms are severely restricted in Burkina Faso. The country’s human rights organizations are decrying numerous acts of state-sponsored violence against journalists and other politically active members of society.

Mina Fabulous follows the news, especially what is going on in the US State Department. Mina turns State Department waffle into plain English. Mina Fabulous is the pen name of Carmen Avalino, the NewsBlaze production editor. When she isn’t preparing stories for NewsBlaze writers, she writes stories, but to separate her editing and writing identities, she uses the name given by her family and friends.